Germany’s manager Julian Nagelsmann admitted that his team will face an uncomfortable opponent in Paraguay in the round of 32 in the ongoing FIFA World Cup. Nagelsmann’s team topped Group E after two wins and one loss.

After registering wins against Curacao and Ivory Coast, Germany was stunned by Ecuador 2-1 in their last group stage match. 

On the other hand, Paraguay ended the group stage in third place with one win, one draw, and one loss. After losing their opening game against the USA by 4-1, Paraguay registered a 1-0 win against Turkiye. The South American team then played a goalless draw against Australia. Paraguay conceded four goals in three matches, with all four coming against the USA.

“They are an uncomfortable opponent for us,” the Germany coach said in a news conference on Sunday.

“In qualification, they conceded very few goals. They are going to ask a lot of us. It’s a do or die match. The boys will bring their A-game. We have to be patient.

“It’s a team that defends well, and they stay compact. They have good players and strong physical players. We need a perfect performance.”

Germany has faced criticism back home for their mixed performances so far in the quadrennial event.

“If you win, everything is perfect; if you lose, everything is s—,” Nagelsmann added.

“We work well together and I think we can show how well we play as a unit. I don’t feel like I need to prove anything to anyone. I just try to support my players.

“All we can do is prepare well. We all want to do it better than we did against Ecuador.”

Germany’s striker Kai Havertz is confident that we can win against Paraguay.

“We are fully convinced we can win,” Havertz said.

“When you are in a big tournament people talk. I don’t care what people say. We are focused on ourselves. I don’t really care what people say.

“It takes time because everyone comes from their clubs to the national team and you have to get used to your teammates.”